Over 18 million permanent social grants are distributed monthly by the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa), providing critical support to vulnerable South Africans.
These permanent grants distributed by the agency include the Older Persons pension grant, Disability grant, War Veterans grant, Care Dependency grant, Foster Child grant, Child Support grant, Child Support grant Top-Up and Grant-in-aid.
Audit Exposes Underspending and Other Concerns
A recent audit by the Auditor-General has revealed that the Department of Social Development (DSD) underspent on the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, which is essential for unemployed individuals. The underspending is partly due to stricter eligibility requirements, such as a lower income threshold and bank verification procedures.
Additionally, the audit raised issues related to unresolved irregular expenditures at Sassa and missed performance targets, including delays in processing appeals and implementing key policies.
Calls for Improvement from Civil Society
The Black Sash, a civil rights group, voiced concern over Sassa’s spending of R4 billion on SRD grants, noting that many eligible individuals were denied assistance. They highlighted several barriers that are preventing vulnerable people from accessing social grants.
The organisation also pointed out the lack of an effective system to track inquiries and ongoing problems with Sassa’s online platform, which further excluded those in need.
"It’s alarming that Sassa returned R4 billion while many eligible applicants were turned away," Black Sash said.
There are barriers within the SRD grant system that exclude vulnerable people from accessing the support they desperately need. This underspending is a serious issue, leaving many beneficiaries rejected and stripped of their dignity.
Challenges with Online Applications
Black Sash also expressed concerns about Sassa’s focus on online application systems, particularly for the Child Support Grant (CSG). They argue that this push towards online-only applications presents new challenges for low-income individuals.
Sassa’s emphasis on an online platform for SRD grants, and now encouraging CSG applicants to use the same system, overlooks the fact that South Africa has high levels of inequality, unemployment, and poverty.
“This move seems more likely to exclude, rather than include, those who are most in need," the organisation stated.
In some cases, Sassa offices are reportedly refusing to assist individuals with in-person applications.
Black Sash has received reports from CSG applicants in areas like Durban, where local Sassa offices are allegedly refusing to help them apply for grants, insisting that applications can only be done online.
The organisation warned that Sassa's shift to remote work could lead to the closure of local offices, further limiting access to critical support services.